Device for vacuum packaging, particularly of food products

Abstract

A packaging device, particularly for packaging trays containing food products or technical materials in a controlled atmosphere and by means of a film of plastic material, comprising an upper chamber and a lower chamber, which can be fastened by mutually superimposing them and are each provided internally with a plurality of heat-sealing and/or cutting and/or die-cutting elements arranged concentrically, the lower chamber being provided centrally with a plurality of supporting elements for a tray.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to a packaging device, particularly for food products or technical materials.BACKGROUND ART[0002]Vacuum machines are currently known which have a bell-shaped chamber and comprise a vacuum pump which is connected to a chamber, also known as vacuum chamber, inside which there is usually a preformed pouch, which is open on three sides and inside which a food product is placed.[0003]In these machines of the known type, the preformed pouch, with the product already inside, is then inserted in the vacuum chamber and then vacuum is produced inside the chamber; a heat seal is then provided at the free side of the preformed pouch.[0004]This known technology entails the need to use preformed pouches which therefore have a size that can be compared to that of the product. Moreover, considerable labor is required.[0005]Operating steps therefore occur which increase the time required to achieve vacuum packaging of the product. Furthermore, if pa...

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Benefits of technology

[0030]The aim of the present invention is therefore to solve the above mentioned technical problems, eliminating the drawbacks of the cited background art, by providing a device that makes it possible to achieve

Problems solved by technology

Moreover, considerable labor is required.

Operating steps therefore occur which increase the time required to achieve vacuum packaging of the product.

Furthermore, if packaging occurs in a controlled atmosphere, a large proportion of the gas is wasted, since the gas is dispersed not only into the pouch but mostly also inside the vacuum chamber.

However, this solution is complicated, in that it has multiple and distinct stations for performing the individual operations to which the film of plastic material must be subjected in sequence.

Furthermore, hot or cold forming of the plastic film is provided, and so is the filling, by means of a nozzle, with liquid products, flours or finely granulated products, and therefore it is not possible to consider the use of the described solution for solid products having preset volumes, such as sliced ham and salami, meat, cheese in portions, trays containing food and nonfood products.

This solution, too, is not free from drawbacks, since the forming of micro-creases has been observed during the heat-sealing of the film, and this can entail problems in tightness and worsens the aesthetic appearance of the package.

Furthermore, the flow of the gas inside the film is not optimum, reducing the efficiency of the device.

Finally, when the operator pulls the sheet, the sheet can assume an incorrect arrangement.

Another problem is also noted: when vacuum is provided in a bell, and accordingly in the pouch being formed, it is then necessary to compensate the vacuum partially with the gas; however, if the compensation is excessive, the bell opens during heat-sea

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